Hydroprinting II

Abstract

Hydroprinting II is a semi-autonomous, performance/installation designed to explore the connections between current and tidal movement by way of a constructed visual output, utilizing abstract audio processes and custom-designed hardware. For this piece, I intend to construct three hydrographs, fashioned after analog seismographs, modified for input to be derived from the San Francisco Bay. Each device will be used to impel the movement of a stylus on paper, much in the same fashion as a seismograph or a polygraph, however, there will be no set period for each device, allowing for the potential for individualized measurements of tide and current, unique to the operator of the device. Over the course of a set duration (30 minutes for performance, with option for extended installation upon request), the audience will be invited to participate in the creation of unique art prints, on location, as part of an open-ended performance/installation designed to bring awareness to the interrelations between our ambient surroundings, the environment and our own aesthetic derivatives therein

Outline of a standard, education-grade seismograph for reference. In the case of the constructed hydrographs, a similar construct will be used, however, the stylus will be aligned horizontally, with a tension-spring forming the hypotenuse of the array. A signal-carrying transducer will be situated at the apex of the hydrograph mast.

Prior to to the performance, the hydrographs will be assembled on site using materials easily found in Bay Area, consisting of a rigid vertical frame with a moveable boom, suspended in stasis via spring and counterweight, with the dimensions approximately two meters tall and one meter wide. At the end of each boom will be a customized holster, designed to hold permanent markers, which can be swapped for the sake of color and tip density. Attached to sliders on the far end of the boom will me moveable plexiglass art-boards, designed to permit the pulling of prints without hindering the view of additional audience members.

Prototype 1/2 watt portable amplifier designed to amplify submerged hydrophones and drive the transducer attached to the apex of the hydrograph mast to activate the tension-spring.

Powering each hydrograph will be a small amplifier affixed to the base of each device, designed to best relay the signals taken from a submerged hydrophone on an extended lead to a transducer fastened to the apex of each hydrograph. Similar to the principals of a spring reverb, signals from the hydrophones will be used to activate movement in the spring. However, instead of reintegrating the amplified signal with the original, each spring will convey movement to the boom, facilitating the creation of prints.

A sample seismograph reading – a potential resultant image produced by the hydrographs.

Each amplifier will also contain an additional audio output for direct amplification over a larger PA system to allow for direct amplification of the hydrophones, as well as contact microphones integrated into the booms of the hydrographs, intended to amplify both the movement of the spring, as well as the direct sound of the physical act of printmaking. During the course of the performance, I intend to create a site-specific mix, incorporating these six sound sources, as well as the immediate ambient sounds of the location, further integrating the space, the devices and the environment in which they were constructed.

A standard reverb tank array. Similar to the hydrographs, a transducer feeds a signal into one end of the springs and another receives the signal at the opposite end. For the audio component of Hydroprinting II, a contact microhpone will be affixed to the stylus of each hydrograph, enabling amplification of both the act of printmaking, as well as a large-array spring reverb of sorts, combining the surf-music inspired reverb crash with the actual surf and currents of the San Francisco Bay.

This piece may be realized in several locations, provided they have direct access to the San Francisco Bay, ideally with an active current. Initial prospective sites include Fort Point, the Sutro Baths, Point Reyes, and the San Francisco Wave Organ.

Proposed sites for installation. Ideally, each site should be somewhere in the vicinity of San Francisco Bay, exposed to high currents and acoustically interesting.

Artist Image

Artist Image for use with Soundwave 6. Please click on the link to download the image in full-resolution.